Just a few kilometres from Sant Llorenç de Balàfia along the Sant Joan road and tucked away amongst pine trees we find the rebirth of the Ibizenco country house: Can Murtera des Puig. This dwelling erected by Roberto Ercillahas on ancient ruins and their surrounding terraces was the winner of the 2001-2003 architecture prize awarded by the Ibiza and Formentera Chamber of Architecture. According to the panel of judges, the house is a fine example of how modernity can achieve harmony with the traditional and highly acclaimed architecture of the Pitiusas. While constructing his own house, Roberto Ercilla did indeed abide by the most important tenets of Ibizenco architecture: the cubiform living area in white limestone, the sparseness of windows and the south-facing aspect of the main façade. The panel enthused: “The judicious positioning of the building on its plot next to the water tank and adjacent pool, the incorporation of an existing vegetable plot, the carob tree and the garage all help form a unified whole that puts the house in communion with its surroundings.” And finally, the simple choice of furniture, the character and finishing of the property “are a prime example of environmental sustainability: a way of living is proposed here that accords naturally with the rural surroundings.” Roberto Ercilla has come up with some thought-provoking ideas and provided a new vision of an appropriate style for future building projects on the Island.
